Illinois 95, Iowa 85 Postgame

[1970 John]

I loved the hockey line switch, especially because we really didn’t lose anything, unless someone can provide numbers otherwise. And as they came on, you could see Iowa players licking their chops and throwing on the full court press…which led to a Illini dunk.

A lot of improbable shots by Iowa. Shooting their average they wouldn’t have gotten to 80.

 

[zentrails]

I really enjoyed the complete lineup change. That has to screw with the opposing team's game planning that could never have expected that five to show up together. In addition, that second team came out to play and really set an example for the first team to get nasty and play hard.

Yep I liked it, too. That second unit probably plays against the starters a lot in practice so they are used to playing together more than a mish-mash does.

 

[Indy Illini Fan]

Didn’t see DGL, coach’s decision?

Yup ... Something like that ...

Coach doesn't control being a good teammate though ...

 

[Lord Voldemort]

I loved the hockey line switch, especially because we really didn’t lose anything, unless someone can provide numbers otherwise. And as they came on, you could see Iowa players licking their chops and throwing on the full court press…which led to a Illini dunk.

A lot of improbable shots by Iowa. Shooting their average they wouldn’t have gotten to 80.

The thing is, I think it was a teaching moment where Underwood didn't need to say much. If someone was there and can tell me otherwise feel free but I'd imagine just seeing the second string out there holding their own against Iowa while running the offense and playing within themselves told the starters everything they needed to know.

 

[Bbuck21]

Don't mean to be a downer, but is everybody going to drop at least 80 on the Illini the rest of the season?

Yea. So?

 

[abchew2]

Pretty impressive 30/5/5 in only 30 min for Hawkins. Without that message benching he could have added a few more to that.

 

[Dan]

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1761515156649943088

 

[doltmanns]

I thought the defense was really good after Brad took the entire starting group out.

I think we were down like 52-47 at that point. Held Iowa to 33 points the rest of the way. That's pretty decent D.

 

[Bbuck21]

Nico's English is really good

Off the glass?

 

[Dr Copejam]

Do tell

Yup ... Something like that ...

Coach doesn't control being a good teammate though ...

 

[ILLFAN67]

Anybody have OER ‘#’s would like to see where Iowa ranks

 

[Bbuck21]

I thought it was interesting to hear Underwood talk about Coleman right after the game. He didn't seem to quick to compliment him. Or was it just me?

What interview did you see?

 

[TheodoreRex]

MASSIVE WIN.
Shoutout to Nico, he was awesome. Great bounce back from Coleman.

We saw a glimpse of the future from Amani Hansberry, he completed outplayed the B10 FOY

hot take.. If Hansberry was on a worse team and got the same minutes as Freeman, I'm not so sure Freeman would be the B10 FOY

 

[Illini231]

Always good to win and cover, can't say this game made me any less concerned though

 

[DReq]

I know the conventional wisdom about defense winning games and loved Coach Henson but I have to say I could stand allowing every team we play the rests of this year to score 85 so long as we score at least 95. Track meets take me back to the days of Harry Combes. Those Illini were able scorers and sometimes pretty good defenders. I can live with that.

 

[IllinistuckinGopherland]

Harmon, “it was definitely a Brad Underwood practice… There was a lot of blood.”

 

[Combo]

Ok, for the "we don't need a true PG" crowd and defenders.....I IMPLORE you, stop being proud, watch the last 10 minutes of that game, most notably the last 5. THAT is what a level headed, calm, game managing PG does for you. Did you see how smoothly that was when he came in? Everything changed.

100%! Most important position on the floor. PG by committee has (sometimes) worked for us this year because this group gets along so well, but it's not ideal.

 

[zentrails]

I have to stop you here. I respect all of our posters a TON, but given the last month and the Moretti rabbit out of the hat ....forget tournament seeding.

Guess you missed the "win out and win a couple in the BTT" part. A 3 seed is certainly possible in the unlikely but very plausible scenario I am parsing out.

 

[biglug58]

Harmon, “it was definitely a Brad Underwood practice… There was a lot of blood.”

I think it motivated him. Had a very nice game.

 

[TheodoreRex]

Yup ... Something like that ...

Coach doesn't control being a good teammate though ...

salty grapes over Nico playing over him?

 

[doltmanns]

Not too thrilled with the defense. That is still a big worry at this point.

Hats off to our bench guys, especially Moretti, Hansberry, Harmon, and Dainja. I know Dainja missed a lot of shots but he blocked multiple shots and defended. Moretti was in there for much of the 2nd half so he clearly has Brad's trust at this point.

I wonder if this is a one off deal or if our rotation starts to increase and open up. We thought we had a deep team going into the season. A game like today proved it

As much as it pains me to admit, Iowa is one of the better offensive teams. I thought our 2nd half defense was passable.

 

[thefalcon5]

obviously offense was at minimum a plus, but I thought Nicos defense wasn’t too shabby. That being said he was guarding slower guys so that might’ve been a big reason.

At the end of the day, I loved seeing underwood stop rolling with “talent” and actually realizing whose giving you plus minutes.

Also props to Harmon. Defense absolutely needs work but he continues to be a dog.

 

[zentrails]

Iowa Boards are full of “Fire Fran”. Sounds just like this board after Penn State loss!

No way their 3 posters are that bad. LOL

 

[Rainier Wolfcastle]

Very happy with the win today. Especially sweet as my wife is an Iowa alum. She’s not too happy. Doubt there will be any special hugs this evening…

 

[ChiefGritty]

I just like positional basketball more than positionless, and I feel like it gives BU more tools to show his X's and O's advantage over a lot of other coaches.

And he missed a couple of bunnies today, but so many Big Ten defenders are just helpless against Dainja, we have to find a way to use that.